(Feb. 29, 2016) – The start of AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifiers couldn’t have gone better for the Australian Women’s National Team. “The Matildas” opened with a decisive, 3-1 win over the host nation and 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup runners-up Japan. The victory, Monday evening in Osaka, Japan, was Australia’s first-ever win against Japan in Japan. More importantly, it gave The Matildas three points and placed them atop the table after day one of qualifying.

Australia struck first when former Breaker Lisa De Vanna headed home her team’s first goal of the night in the 25th minute. Michelle Heyman doubled Australia’s lead in the 40th minute before the hosts got one back before halftime.

In the second half, Australia added to its lead, getting its third goal of the night. This time it came from Katrina Gorry in the 78th minute. Boston Breakers forward Kyah Simon came on in the 70th minute of the match and nearly scored a fourth goal for Australia, getting her foot on a cross right in front of goal late in the match.

The Matildas play Vietnam on Wednesday, March 2, at 2:35 a.m. ET. Vietnam lost, 2-0, to China today. In the other match, North Korea came back to tie South Korea, 1-1.